Dudley Hippodrome campaign leader dies, aged 72
The leader of the campaign to save Dudley Hippodrome has died aged 72, his friends said today.
Geoff Fitzpatrick spearheaded the drive to save the former theatre when Dudley Council first announced plans for its demolition in 2011.
The retired Halesowen College lecturer was instrumental in gathering a 35,000-signature petition which resulted in the theatre being given a stay of execution by the council in July.
Mr Fitzpatrick, of Lydate Road, Halesowen, died yesterday following a short illness.
Historian Paul Collins, a member of the Friends of Dudley Hippodrome group which Mr Fitzpatrick founded, paid tribute to his friend.
"Without Geoff, the campaign would never have got off the ground, and the theatre would almost certainly have been demolished by now," said Mr Collins, who is a former councillor.
"He was utterly fearless when it came to approaching people for donations or support, and he never let up when it came to keeping the battle in the public eye."
He said Mr Fitzpatrick's condition worsened after being admitted to hospital with a collapsed lung two months ago.
His illness meant he was unable to attend an assembly at the theatre last month to mark its 75th anniversary.
